Grocery bag with pockets

ABSTRACT

Grocery bag with pockets with a first grocery bag and a plurality of second grocery bags. The bags are rectangular in shape. The first grocery bag has three vertically stacked, external pockets attached to one broad side surface. Each pocket is similar in width to the width of the broad surface of the first bag. 
     Each the pocket is approximately one third the height of the broad surface of the first bag. The first and second grocery bags have sewn on carry handles. The second grocery bags can be folded and inserted into the first grocery bag pockets. The first grocery bag capable of being folded into thirds so that the second grocery bags contained within the pockets of the first grocery bag are also folded within the first grocery bag causing the first and second bags become a single, easy to carry unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of transportable storage bags and more specifically to a reusable grocery bag with pockets.

For many years, the process of grocery shopping involved going to a market, choosing items and putting them into a basket or cart, going to a checkout stand and having a person at the checkout stand place the items into a paper or a plastic grocery bag. The shopper would then transport the bags home, unpack the bags and then throw out the bags or possibly use them for another purpose such as trash receptacles. As the desire to stop wasting the earths natural resources of trees and oil increase, a current trend in grocery shopping has developed where shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to the market to be filled with the goods that they purchase. Indeed, in the City of San Francisco, the use of disposable shopping bags has been made illegal by the city council.

Due to the need for reusable grocery bags, many manufacturers now sell sewn bags that are approximately the same size as a standard paper grocery bag, but are made of durable fabric that can be used many times and can be cleaned by standard means. Several reusable grocery bag designs have been patented. These include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,251,743, 5,297,872, 6,186,662, and application number 2003/0131447. Although all of the listed patents discuss foldable grocery or shopping bags, none of them discuss the idea of a first bag capable of carrying a plurality additional shopping bags stored in pockets located on the outside of the first bag. There is a history of travel bags that include side pockets for storing additional items, however the side pockets in these travel bags are not specifically designed to store secondary grocery sized bags. Additionally other bags are not designed to be folded into thirds and in the process, capture and store secondary bags making a single compact multi bag holding system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag that includes side pockets that hold additional grocery bags.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag that includes additional smaller pockets for holding items such as a cell phone, keys or a wallet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag system that allows plurality of bags to be folded together to form a compact means for carrying reusable grocery bags.

A further object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag that is insulated.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a grocery bag system that allows a plurality of bags to be releasably attached to each other so that the bags are less likely to fall over when full and being transported in a vehicle.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a grocery bag with pockets comprising: a first grocery bag, a plurality of second grocery bags, said first and second bags being rectangular in shape having a pair of opposing broad side surfaces and a pair of opposing narrow side surfaces, a flat rectangular bottom and an integral top cover, said first bag top cover having an integral flap that can be folded over and releasably fastened to said broad side surface by standard attachment means, said first and second grocery bags made from flexible fabric that can be sewn by standard means, said first and second grocery bags having rigid bottom plates, said first grocery bag having three vertically stacked, external pockets attached to one broad side surface, each said pocket being similar in width to the width of said broad surface of said first bag, each said pocket being approximately one third the height of said broad surface of said first bag, said first and second grocery bags having sewn on carry handles, said second grocery bags capable of being folded and inserted into said first grocery bag pockets, said first grocery bag capable of being folded into thirds so that said second grocery bags contained within the pockets of said first grocery bag are also folded within said first grocery bag so that the first and second bags form a single, easy to carry unit, said folded unit having its own carry handle said first bag including a strap that is centrally attached at one end to the top portion of said broad side of said first bag, said strap having a fastening means at its opposite end, said strap fastening means capable of attaching to said mating attachment means located on said flap of said first bag thereby enabling said first bag and captured said second bags to remain folded and compact during transport or storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view a person holding the folded version of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first grocery bag in the open position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first and second bags in the folded position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a person removing a second bag from a first bag pocket.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the first bag

FIG. 6 is a side section view of the first bag.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the first bag.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the second bag

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the second bag

FIG. 10 is an inside flattened view of the first bag.

FIG. 11 is an outside flattened view of the first bag.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first and second bags in an attached position for stable transport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of a person 2 carrying the folded version of the grocery bag system 100 by handle member 26. The user 2 is getting ready to travel to a grocery store in a vehicle 3. The entire grocery bag system 100 folds into a purse size and is easily transportable. Outer pockets 14, 16, 18 can be used to carry items such as keys, a cell phone or a wallet.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of first bag 50. The bag 50 is rectangular in shape and is the size of a standard grocery bag. It is comprised of broad panels 60, 61, narrow panels 24, 25, bottom panel 54 and top cover flap 22. Broad side 60 includes three pockets 4, 6, 8 that each hold a secondary grocery bag. Handles 10, 12 are sewn 38 onto the narrow side panels 24, 25 in a standard way. The bag 50 is constructed of flexible fabric. The fabric can be natural or man made. In the preferred embodiment the primary bag 50 and secondary bags 30, 32, 34 are made of rip stop nylon because it is flexible, tear resistant, cleanable and can be folded into a very small size. Top pockets 14, 18, 16 are the same as shown in the folded view in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the entire grocery bag system 100. Bag holding pockets 4, 6, 8 as well as the entire bag 50 are collapsed flat and folded onto each other. The main bag 50 folds into thirds as defined by secondary bag holding pockets 4, 6, 8. Strap 20 holds the entire assembly 100 in a closed position by the application of standard fasteners 28 such as hook and loop fasteners or snap fasteners. Handle member 26 is reinforced by rigid member 64 so that when the user 2 carries the assembly 100 by handle 26, the flexible fabric under the handle does not buckle.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a person pulling a secondary bag 30 out of pocket 6. In this way, a person can go grocery shopping and when checking out, fill the primary bag 50 first and then remove secondary bags 30, 32, 34 as needed depending on the amount of groceries purchased.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the primary bag 50. Each pocket 8 is kept closed by a flap 9 that is held closed by a standard fastener 11 such as hook and loop or a snap fastener. FIG. 6 shows a side section view of the bag 50 as defined by section line 120 shown in FIG. 5. In this view one can clearly see that secondary bags 30, 32, 34 are stored in a folded position inside pockets 6, 4, 8. In the preferred embodiment, primary, or first bag 50 includes an insulated lining 42 so that food items that are either hot or cold can remain so during the time it takes to bring the food items home. A rigid plate 52 is located at the bottom portion 54 of the bag 50 to help stabilize the bag while being filled and to help give proper shape to the entire assembly 100 when in the folded position. FIG. 7 is a side view of the primary bag 50

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of secondary bag 30. All three secondary bags 30, 32, 34 are similar in construction however, they each may be made of different colored fabric to help differentiate the types of items being carried in each bag. For example, a green bag might carry fresh produce, a blue bag might carry cleaning supplies and a yellow bag might carry canned, boxed or bottled items. Each secondary bag includes a rigid floor panel as shown by dotted line 31. This panel 31 gives the bag 30 the proper rectangular shape when folded so that it can easily slide into bag holding pocket 6. This panel 31 also makes it easy for the user to fold the main bag 50 into thirds when the user is putting the entire assembly 100 into the stored position. Each bag 50, 30, 32, 34 includes snap type fasteners as shown on bag 30 as represented by 35, 37 in FIG. 8, 41, 43 in FIG. 9 or as shown on the rear broad panel 61 of bag 50 as indicated by snaps 70, 72 seen in FIG. 10. FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of bag 30.

FIG. 10 is a flattened rear view of bag 50. Side panels 24, 25 are folded inward, Bottom portion 52 is folded onto rear panel 61. Hook and loop fasteners 45A, 45B attach to each other when bag 50 is in the open position and top flap 22 is in place covering the contents of bag 50. When the bag assembly 100 is in the folded storage position, Fastening portion 45A interacts with fastening portion 45C located on closure strap 20 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 10 clearly shows rigid reinforcing panel 64 which acts to keep the fabric under the handle portion 26 from buckling. FIG. 11 is a front view of bag 50 in its flattened state.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of both the primary bag 50 and the secondary bags 30, 32, 34 sitting on the back seat of a vehicle 80. Snap portions as indicated by 43 help hold all the bags together so that when the vehicle is in motion, the bags tend to reinforce each other so that they tend to stay in an upright position.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. Grocery bag with pockets comprising: a first grocery bag; a plurality of second grocery bags; said first and second bags each being rectangular in shape having a pair of opposing broad side surfaces and a pair of opposing narrow side surfaces, a flat rectangular bottom and an integral top cover; said first bag top cover having an integral flap that can be folded over and releasably fastened to said broad side surface by standard attachment means; said first and second grocery bags made from flexible fabric that can be sewn by standard means; said first and second grocery bags having rigid bottom plates; said first grocery bag having three vertically stacked, external pockets attached to one broad side surface; each said pocket being similar in width to the width of said broad surface of said first bag; each said pocket being approximately one third the height of said broad surface of said first bag; said first and second grocery bags having sewn on carry handles; said second grocery bags capable of being folded and inserted into said first grocery bag pockets; said first grocery bag capable of being folded into thirds so that said second grocery bags contained within the pockets of said first grocery bag are also folded within said first grocery bag so that the first and second bags become a single, easy to carry unit; said folded unit having its own carry handle. said first bag including a strap that is centrally attached at one end to the top portion of said broad side of said first bag; said strap having a fastening means at its opposite end; said strap fastening means capable of attaching to said mating attachment means located on said flap of said first bag thereby enabling said first bag and captured said second bags to remain folded and compact during transport or storage.
 2. Grocery bag with pockets as claimed in claim 1 further comprising additional smaller pockets that are sewn onto the outer top surface of said first bag so that when said first bag is folded into its storage position, said smaller pockets are located on the outside of the folded bag surface.
 3. Grocery bag with pockets as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second bags include a standard fastening means to releasably attach one said bag to another said bag at their uppermost broad side surfaces so that a plurality of said bags can be attached to each other while residing in a vehicle thereby making them less prone to fall over during transport.
 4. Grocery bag with pockets as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first bag includes a stiffening member located under said folded unit carry handle to insure that the fabric under said carry handle does not buckle during use.
 5. Grocery bag with pockets as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first bag includes an inner flexible layer of thermally insulating material. 